Modelling linear wave transformation induced by dissipative structures—Random waves

The relevant theory is presented and numerical results are compared with the analytical solution for the interaction of non-breaking waves with an array of vertical porous circular cylinders on a horizontal bed. The extension to the cases of unidirectional and multidirectional waves is obtained by means of a transfer function. The influence of the mechanical properties of porous structures and wave irregularity on wave transformation is analysed. Results for unidirectional and multidirectional wave spectra are compared to those obtained for regular waves. The model presented reproduces well the analytical results and provides a tool for analysing several engineering problems.     

Reduction of ground vibration by means of barriers or soil improvement along a railway track

Trains running in built-up areas are a source to ground-borne noise. A careful design of the track may be one way of minimizing the vibrations in the surroundings. For example, open or infilled trenches may be constructed along the track, or the soil underneath the track may be improved. In this work, the influence of the track design and properties on the level of ground vibration due to a vehicle moving with subsonic speed is examined. A coupled finite element-boundary element model of the track and subsoil is employed, adopting a formulation in the moving frame of reference following the vehicle. The computations are carried out in the frequency domain for various combinations of the vehicle speed and the excitation frequency. The analyses indicate that open trenches are more efficient than infilled trenches or soil stiffening–even at low frequencies. However, the direction of the load is of paramount importance. For example, the response outside a shallow open trench may change dramatically when horizontal load is applied instead of vertical load.     

青藏高原羌塘盆地东部鄂尔陇巴组火山岩的锆石SHRIMP U-Pb年龄及其地质意义

藏北羌塘盆地东部地区三叠系巴贡组之上沉积超覆了一套火山岩-火山碎屑岩. 该套地层下部玄武岩的锆石SHRIMP U-Pb年龄明显可以分为2组,一组年龄相对年轻 （220.4Ma±2.3Ma）,代表了羌塘东部地区鄂尔陇巴组火山岩的喷发年龄;另外一组 年龄相对较老（241.4Ma±3.6Ma）,可能与中三叠世羌塘地区普遍存在的碰撞隆升事 件有关。羌塘中生代（晚三叠世—早白垩世）盆地演化早期的沉积作用经历了由陆相 至海相的超覆过程,沉积超覆作用从冲洪积相开始,伴随着岩浆侵入、火山爆发及火 山碎屑沉积作用,总体上表现为一个向上变深的海侵序列,显示裂谷盆地的特征。     

The plan shape of current ripples in relation to flow conditions

Two sets of empirical data on the relationship of the plan shape of current ripples to flow conditions previously thought incompatible are reconciled by taking explicit and necessary account of the effects of flow width relative to flow depth. The aspects of plan shape considered are the mean streamwise ripple wavelength and the wavelength, measured across the flow, of longitudinal features due to centrifugal instability formed on the backs of the ripples. A regression analysis connecting these attributes with flow conditions including the width-effect shows that the amount of unexplained variability is of the same order as the accumulated experimental errors, and suggests that the two sets of data are in excellent agreement. The relationship of the plan geometry to flow conditions is less simple than has sometimes been supposed, but ways are suggested in which the experimental results can be used to establish the hydraulics of past environments.     

Defining the concept of stratigraphic grade and applying it to stratal (reservoir) architecture and evolution of the slope-to-basin profile: An outcrop perspective

Stratigraphic grade is the similarity of the morphology of successive slope-to-basin profiles in a genetically related depositional system. In this article we use data collected from regional cross-sections of six depositional systems, stratal architecture derived from outcrops of the Lewis Shale (Wyoming, USA), and the Ross Sandstone (Ireland), and supplementary outcrop and subsurface data from other depositional systems to determine how stratigraphic grade relates to stratal (reservoir) architecture in deepwater systems.Four methods are developed that collectively define stratigraphic grade: (1) regional stacking patterns of fourth-order stratigraphic surfaces, (2) the relationship between the trajectory of the shelf edge (T_se) and the trajectory of the depocenter (T_d) for fourth-order stratigraphic units, (3) morphology of the slope-to-basin profiles of fourth-order stratigraphic surfaces, and (4) the similarity of the morphologies of slope-to-basin profiles of fourth-order surfaces in a system (σ_s, σ_r). Several characteristics of stratigraphic (reservoir) architecture of fourth-order stratigraphic cycles are related to stratigraphic grade: (1) longitudinal distribution of sandstone in fourth-order cycles, (2) location of maximum sandstone relative to the depocenter of fourth-order cycles, (3) lengths of fourth-order submarine fans, and (4) longitudinal and vertical distribution of architectural elements. Stratigraphic grade is thus a predictor of reservoir architecture and can thereby be used to reduce the uncertainty in the interpretation of subsurface data.The concept of stratigraphic grade is useful in understanding the stratigraphic evolution of deepwater systems. Most deepwater systems analyzed in this study initiated as out-of-grade and temporally evolved to graded systems over a time span of millions of years. Systems rarely evolve from graded to out-of-grade. First-order controls on stratigraphic grade are determined to be angle of slope, tectonically forced changes in angle of slope during deposition, and sediment supply.     

The progress on remote sensing technology in identifying tropical forest degradation: a synthesis of the present knowledge and future perspectives

Since the launch of the first satellite in 1972, ecologists have been equipped with new tools to address the degradation of tropical forests, previously limited by field-based methods. This article is a review of the state of remote sensing technology in characterizing the degradation of tropical forest. The factors responsible for the structural and functional degradation of the tropical forest and its likely impacts are described in view of generating remote sensing based inputs. In order to assess the degradation and utility of geo-informatics tools, 32 parameters are identified. The research developments at different levels of information extraction from the historic to recent periods are elaborated, and future challenges are predicted. The article concludes that an additional momentum of research is required to answer many unresolved questions of tropical forest degradation.     

A coupled hydro-mechanical model for subsurface erosion with analyses of soil piping and void formation

Acta Geotechnica - A coupled hydro-mechanical erosion model is presented that is used for studying soil piping and erosion void formation under practical, in-situ conditions. The continuum model...